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Michel Peterson

Michel had a love affair with Santa Cruz Island.

by Patricia Schallert

Michel Peterson, sponsored  by “ Friends of Ventura Harbor”, presented her life as a shepherdess on Santa Cruz Island on April 19th at the Greek Restaurant in the Ventura Harbor. Her book titled “Once Upon an Island”, is a story of her love affair with Santa Cruz Island located 31 miles off the coast of Ventura.

She arrived on Santa Cruz Island in 1979 when her future husband to be, was looking for a cook and William Peterson was looking to operate his sheep venture on the island.

Landing on a dirt airplane strip, she and the group she was traveling with, piled into a Dodge truck and descended into Smugglers Cove with its’ spectacular beaches and the isolated sheep ranch know as Scorpion Ranch.

In the beginning, it was difficult for Michel, where there were  hazards, rough conditions on an isolated sheep ranch and no electricity.

Being from London, she writes that “this adventure became more of a personal journey” for her. The Island was not friendly to women but Michell developed skills not only as a ranch cook but also learned  sufficient skills to become the islands head shepherdess. Long hours of physical labor alongside  “Pete” and despite their 32 year difference in age, William “Pete” Peterson married Michel Ravenscroft.

In her oral presentation, she mentioned a little history of Scorpion Ranch where she lived. It was constructed in 1886 and was in full operation by 1885. Scorpion Ranch was where Michel would begin her  journey. The ranch  was nestled in the shadows of the southern facing slopes and beneath the cliffs of Santa Cruz Island.

The rocky beach was a stone’s throw away from the ranch, which was a mixture of old and ancient. Santa Cruz Island, she wrote, is  known for “it’s diverse landscape and extraordinary range of flora and fauna.” and at time of her journey, it included wild pigs, foxes, sheep, cattle and wild horses.

While on the Island, Michel learned to adapt to the difficulties of the isolated island life through self-reliance and by making due with what was available. It was “ exciting and also could be very lonely”.

The wooden bunkhouse, was home to ranch hands who tended the flocks of sheep, cattle and crops. The Scorpion and Smugglers Ranches were the bases that supplied much of the food and hay for island operations.

Michel mentioned that sheep ranching during her time there was for meat and wool. The descendants of the Gherini family ran the ranch on the eastern end of Santa Cruz between 1936 and 1984.

Her story of her love affair on Santa Cruz Island was riveting from the time she arrived in 1979 to when the last sheep were loaded aboard the barge Double Eagle at Scorpion Beach and ended when the “Double Eagle” off-loaded the last of the sheep at Port Hueneme.

The Gherini era ended in February 1987 when the National Park Service acquired the last interests from the family.

Today,  the National Park Service is preserving the historic area so visitors will have a chance to remember the unique part of the island’s past.

Michel became an artist after she left Santa Cruz Island and worked to create an art form that conveys some of the magnificence of nature. It is her way of expressing gratitude for the abundant natural wealth she received from Santa Cruz Island and if you wander around Ventura Harbor, Michel installed handmade ceramic tile mosaics of local marine wildlife which “expresses her dreams and vision from inception on Santa Cruz Island to its completion in a creative expression of nature and her love affair on Santa Cruz island. “

Her ceramic art, located in Ventura Harbor can be seen on page X.

Michel’s new book which is still in the works is called: “Santa Cruz island: The Last Shepherdess.”

Ventura woodshop program takes home top award!

Balboa Middle School wins Program of the Year for outstanding Woodshop program.

Balboa Middle School’s Woodshop Program, under the direction and talent of Mr. Paul Fredette, was awarded the 2023 California Industrial and Technology Education Association (CITEA) Middle School Program of the Year award. Mr. Greg Hanger, CITEA President, presented Mr. Fredette with the award at the April 18, 2023 VUSD Board of Education meeting. The award is given to a program with outstanding curriculum design and integration, reflecting academic and technical content. In addition, it shows strong connections to the community through local businesses, industries, and an advisory board.

“Mr. Fredette’s woodshop program is where students build, create, and apply their academic skills in hands-on, relevant ways. Our students find success under Mr. Fredette’s patience and kind guidance. One of the assignments given in woodshop is to show their projects to our administrative team. We marvel at the skill and attention our students put into these projects, and the pride in their finished product is evident on their faces. Ventura Unified believes in this digital age, students working with their hands is critical to developing the whole child. We are extremely grateful for Mr. Fredette and his steadfast belief that the woodshop is a place where all students can succeed,” stated Balboa Principal Claudia Caudill.

Mr. Fredette has been teaching since 1989. He taught two years in a rural school district in Wisconsin, one year in El Monte City School District, and the rest of the time at Ventura Unified School District. Two of his shop teachers strongly encouraged him to enter into the teaching profession. His philosophy on teaching is “Learn by doing.” He believes hands-on classes like the one he teaches show students the content of the information that a teacher is trying to get across by having the student walk through the process.

Edison Electric Company, Ventura County Carving Club, Ventura County Woodturning Club, and the Model Aviation Club are just a few of the groups who have joined his class to speak and mentor. Guest speakers have included engineers, welders, and retired shop teachers. He also meets with a group of Industrial Arts teachers from across the county/state via Zoom meetings to collaborate and exchange ideas for use in the classroom. The last workshop they participated in was on integrated construction methods.

“I feel blessed at having the job I have had for all these years. It has been very rewarding,” stated Mr. Fredette. His students feel just as blessed.

“Mr. Fredette makes his classes very interactive and fun. He always has a joke and makes the classroom a healthy environment. He inspired me to pursue woodworking, and I know he will inspire many more students, said 8th-grade student Haley Jourdain.

“I like Mr. Fredette because when you need help, he helps you right away, and I also like it because we play games in his class to learn,” said 6th grader Kendra Sullivan.

 

Namba Performing Arts Space Showcases Singer-Songwriters in May

Kelly’s Lot was formed in 1994 by Kelly Zirbes.

Namba Performing Arts Space in downtown Ventura will be showcasing singer songwriters Halley Rose Neal, Shawn Jones and Kelly’s Lot during a weekend of celebration, creativity and heartfelt songs.

“Showcasing independent, unique, touring and local songwriters is a continuance of our mission to nurture talent in our community”, says Tamara Varney, Board Chair for Namba Performing Arts Space. “Our small Theatre invites our audience to experience a closeness with the performer that is both rare and engaging.”

Halley Neal is a Nashville based folk singer-songwriter. Influenced by artists like Joni Mitchell and Shawn Colvin, Halley’s sound combines inspirations of classic folk music and modern day singer-songwriters, while her live shows center on themes of positivity and peace. Halley just released her second album to critical acclaim and Namba is proud to support her tour.

Shawn Jones is an international touring Roots/Americana/Blues/Rock musician. Shawn’s skills as a seasoned songwriter, guitarist and vocalist make him one of the most dynamic and relevant artists on today’s Americana/Roots/Blues/Rock music scene. A local hero of sorts, Shawn has made Ventura his home. Between songs, he often shares the inspirations and personal experiences that paved his road to success in the music industry.

Kelly’s Lot was formed in 1994 by Kelly Zirbes, a folk singer/songwriter with a blues steeped heart. With 15 CDs and lots of touring in both the USA and Europe, Kelly’s Lot celebrates 28 years since they hit the stage at the Roxy in Hollywood. Kelly Z met guitar player and soundman, Perry Robertson in 1996, who added the southern rock and Texas influences that have helped shape the group’s sound. Kelly’s Lot and friends will generously set the stage at NAM BA for a fundraising concert on May 13th. Prepare for some great Blues, fantastic vocals, and room to dance!

Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak Street, Ventura. Tickets for Halley Rose Neal or Shawn Jones are $20. Suggested donation for Kelly’s Lot is $20. Find more info, show dates and Tickets at NambaArts.com.

New Chief Curator Carlos Ortega at Museum of Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce the recent hiring of new Chief Curator, Carlos Ortega. Ortega brings two decades of museum experience to the Museum, where he will help connect the present and future through recognizing, exploring, and appreciating the past. Ortega officially started at the Museum of Ventura County on May 1st.

“Carlos brings broad multi-disciplinary experience to his role,” says the MVC’s Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director Elena Brokaw. “The Museum’s Board and I are excited to see his ideas come to life. As Chief Curator, Carlos will create thoughtfully curated exhibitions that reflect our community’s rich and diverse cultural history.”

Carlos Ortega has built an impressive 20 year career working in collections and curation for various Southern California museums.

Growing From the Ashes

Ventura author Sheila Lowe has released her long-awaited memoir, Growing From the Ashes: Learning from my daughter’s murder about life after earth.

In 2000, as a forensic handwriting examiner for many years, Sheila was alarmed to see the red flags for pathological behavior in the handwriting of her daughter’s boyfriend, Tom Schnaible. An officer in federal law enforcement, Tom was an explosion waiting to happen. And when that explosion detonated less than a year later, it resulted in the murder of twenty-seven-year-old Jennifer Lowe.

This book, 23 years in the making, follows the author’s spiritual path from a strict fundamentalist religion that bars any belief in a world of spirit, to the freedom of knowing that there is no death, only life after earth.

Growing From the Ashes can be ordered from any bookstore and online retailers. The audiobook will be available soon. www.sheilalowebooks.com

Stamp Out Hunger Food drive

Saturday, May 13th marks the 31st anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving — the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food drive. 

Letter carriers walk through the community every day, often coming face to face with a sad reality for too many, hunger. 

So, each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the country collect non-perishable food donations from our customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people in Billings who need our help. 

Over the course of its 30-year history, the drive has collected well over 1.82 billion pounds of food, thanks to a postal service universal delivery network that spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The need for food donations is great. Currently, more than 35 million Americans are unsure where their next meal is coming from. More than twelve million are children who feel hunger’s impact on their overall health and ability to perform in school. And nearly 5.2 million seniors over age 60 are food insecure, with many who live on fixed incomes often too embarrassed to ask for help. 

Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need. 

Participating in this year’s Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is simple. Just leave a non-perishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox Saturday, May 18, 2023 and your letter carrier will do the rest. With your help, letter carriers and the US Postal Service have collected over 1.82 billion pounds of food in the United States over the 30 years as a national food drive. Please help us in our fight to end hunger, as we celebrate our 31st anniversary year in America’s great day of giving. 

There’s a new go-to shop in town!

Terra acquired her master stylist level skills while working in both barbershops and salons.

Grand Parlor Salon and Shave, LLC is serving Ladies and Gents in Ventura East!

Terra Aldrich is the owner and operator of Grand Parlor Salon and Shave, LLC located at 1795 S Victoria Ave, Suite 102-B.

Ms. Aldrich, aka “@t_thebarber68″ on Instagram, is a fourth generation Ventura County Native and is licensed in both barbering and cosmetology. Terra acquired her master stylist level skills while serving in the industry for nearly 18 years working in both barbershops and salons. During this time Terra also had the opportunity to observe and learn about what it takes to provide a professional, friendly and convenient, customer service based business.

Terra’s professional experiences and personal life goals gave her the vision of starting a woman owned, modern barbershop / salon that would transcend the customer’s expectations and would welcome all genders alike, and to build a team of style experts, curating a high-quality experience.

Through this vision and much determination and hard work Grand Parlor Salon and Shave, LLC is delighted to celebrate their 1st year anniversary which is on Mother’s Day! You are invited to come celebrate and enjoy a free cut with a paid color service or free beard trim with paid cut from now until May 14th!

Terra stated” I am thrilled to be a part of Ventura’s small business community and I adore the people of Ventura County! I am very proud to offer employment opportunities and I thank my family, friends, and guests for all the support throughout our first year! I really want to build a brand that is consistent and affordable as we welcome the whole family to our barbershop / salon! My goal is to build a talented team that our guests can trust as we encourage same day appointments and walk-ins! I know it’s hard to get an appointment most places, especially with busy schedules! -Come check us out, we can’t wait to serve you!”

Trees planted for Earth Day

The Ventura Tree Alliance, the City of Ventura’s Urban Forestry staff and community members teamed up to plant fifteen trees to help shade and beautify Barranca Vista Park for a family-friendly tree planting day on Earth Day, Friday, April 21.

The funds for this event were provided by generous donations from the community: people from all walks of life that see the value of trees and want to take part in cooling the air, providing habitat, reducing water run-off, muting traffic noise and mitigating Co2 emissions. You can make a difference by donating at VenturaTreeAlliance.com/donate.

The Ventura Tree Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public-benefit corporation that brings community members, educators, and business professionals together to enhance the urban tree canopy in the city of Ventura.

The mission is to “plant trees to augment Ventura’s urban forest, beautifying Ventura and counteracting climate change. Our goals are to inspire, engage and support Venturans in planting and caring for trees through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and fundraising.”

To find out more, visit www.VenturaTreeAlliance.com.

CAPS is the home of KPPQ, Ventura’s only public access community radio station

CAPS Media KPPQ DJ of the Month Doc Ventura

KPPQ features a dedicated and talented crew of local DJs producing unique and information programming. Every month CAPS Media and KPPQ features a DJ who helps define the style and sound of Ventura community radio on KPPQ- LP at 104.1FM and on myTuner. Doc Ventura is performer, guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and best of all a KPPQ DJ. A Chicago blues man, transplanted to beautiful Ventura, shares his love of the blues from the 1920’s through the present day on Doc’s Delta Blues Lounge. Doc Ventura says “I believe if you LIKE the blues you will LOVE them after tuning in”. The hour-long show features familiar stars like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf but the majority of the program is dedicated to lesser known blues artists such as Homesick James, J.B. Hutto, T-Model Ford that are often overlooked in radio. The diversity of blues styles and forms found in Doc’s Delta Blues Lounge entertains, informs, and builds appreciation of this indigenous art form. Doc has four solo albums. You can catch Doc and his Delta by the Beach Band or with The Milo Sledge Trio throughout Ventura and up and down the central and south coast. Tune in to 104.1fm on Thursdays at 7pm and Sundays at 3pm to enter Doc’s Delta Blues Lounge. All KPPQ locally produced programs, as well as national and international shows, can be enjoyed 24/7 at 104.1 FM and streamed worldwide on myTuner Radio and on capsmedia.org. Many of the shows are available on-demand on the KPPQ podcast network found at capsmedia.org/radio. Stay tuned for the next DJ profile in your Ventura Breeze.

Recently CAPS Media crews produced a promotional video for Ventura County Fire publicizing the Department’s Junior Fire Academy. As outlined by Fire Fighter Spencer White, the three week-long summer sessions are free for boys and girls aged 13-15 who are Ventura County residents and want to learn what it takes to be a part of the fire service. The academy creates a fun learning environment for students to experience the physical and mental rigors of the Fire Department’s daily emergency operations. Training includes First Aid and Hands Only CPR, Structure and Wildland Fire Suppression, Rappel Operations, Confined Space awareness, Hand Tool usage and more. The camp also includes tours of fire stations, demonstrations by 911 dispatch, Air units, ambulance EMTs, rescue dog demonstrations and much more. For details go to VCFD.org/junior-fire-academy.

CAPS Media manages two television channels and one radio station in Ventura providing public programming on television, radio and online streaming twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week on all distribution outlets.

CAPS’ channel 6 presents programming created by and for the public including community information programs, faith-based services and more. CAPS manages and presents government meetings at City Hall including city council, design review, general plan advisory committee and planning commission on channel 15 which also features education and information programs including those by El Camino High School students.

To learn more about CAPS, visit capsmedia.org. A video on the home page, CAPS Media City Council Presentation 2023, presents an overview of the organization.